The statistics don’t jump out, not the way they do with the Jets, who are first in scoring defense, first in fewest yards allowed, first against the pass, first in first-down efficiency, third-down efficiency and heaven-knows-what-else. The Colts’ defensive numbers are humble, top eight in just four categories, but ultimately, there’s just one that counts.
Points allowed.
They finished the season eighth in the league. But at the time they clinched the No. 1 seed in the league after the 13th game, once they began gearing down and playing starters less and less, they were tied for second in the NFL for fewest points allowed.
Sometimes numbers tell the full story. In this case, they don’t.
“Like (defensive end Robert) Mathis said, we’re two different teams: We play to play, but when it’s time to win, we play to win,” Session said. “We always find a way to rise to the challenge.”
That defense lost a lot of its heart and soul before the season ever got rolling. Safety Bob Sanders and cornerback Marlin Jackson went on injured reserve the same week, and linebacker Tyjuan Hagler also was lost for the season. For a stretch there, the Colts were winning games with rookies, Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey, at the corners. Of all their offseason pickups, the most valuable has been defensive coordinator Larry Coyer
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